How many times did it take
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Scotland
Posts: 1,506
How many times did it take
Hi,
Just a thought for all of you who are succeeding in your quest for sobriety, can I ask how many attempts have there been so far to stay clean? This just interest me because it must make you even more determined to right the wrongs of previous attempts and was there Any one specific thing that Made this time different? I'm not asking health questions just what was the motivation.
Just a thought for all of you who are succeeding in your quest for sobriety, can I ask how many attempts have there been so far to stay clean? This just interest me because it must make you even more determined to right the wrongs of previous attempts and was there Any one specific thing that Made this time different? I'm not asking health questions just what was the motivation.
Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Baton Rouge, La.
Posts: 15,237
My motivation was not only for myself
but for my family. I entered rehab 8-10-90
upon a court order after a family intervention
took place. My second full day 8-11-90 in a
controlled inviroment was my first full day
with no alcohol.
From that day on armed with knowledge and
tools of a recovery program has guided me
for 23 yrs sober continuously.
I don't think id be here today if it wasn't
for determination, willingness, openmindedned,
and finally honesty to live a healthy, happy,
life in recovery using Faith, Steps and Principles
as a guideline.
This of course is how it has worked for me.
but for my family. I entered rehab 8-10-90
upon a court order after a family intervention
took place. My second full day 8-11-90 in a
controlled inviroment was my first full day
with no alcohol.
From that day on armed with knowledge and
tools of a recovery program has guided me
for 23 yrs sober continuously.
I don't think id be here today if it wasn't
for determination, willingness, openmindedned,
and finally honesty to live a healthy, happy,
life in recovery using Faith, Steps and Principles
as a guideline.
This of course is how it has worked for me.
Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Australia
Posts: 11,351
Sharon , you're amazing ! Welldone ;-)
Stoogy , it took me endless times over 15 years a couple of stints in rehab . The first time i didn't drink for over a year , the second time was only a few months.
In the end my body couldn't take it anymore , my personality changed from being bubbly and happy , to cranky , short tempered and impatient .
It was all about me ;-(
I got fatty liver and pancreas , i didn't have a choice .
SR is my saviour .
This is truly the first time i can actually say i know i will never drink anymore .
Your body just gets sick and tired of being sick and tired .
Something has to give as there is only one wY it ends .
Good luck hun , keep fighting the fight ;-))) xxxx
Stoogy , it took me endless times over 15 years a couple of stints in rehab . The first time i didn't drink for over a year , the second time was only a few months.
In the end my body couldn't take it anymore , my personality changed from being bubbly and happy , to cranky , short tempered and impatient .
It was all about me ;-(
I got fatty liver and pancreas , i didn't have a choice .
SR is my saviour .
This is truly the first time i can actually say i know i will never drink anymore .
Your body just gets sick and tired of being sick and tired .
Something has to give as there is only one wY it ends .
Good luck hun , keep fighting the fight ;-))) xxxx
Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Baton Rouge, La.
Posts: 15,237
Whatever works. No matter how many times
it takes to make it stick is whats important.
Remaining teachable is also Important as
I continue to remain teachable by learning
from you all here in SR.
You can too..!!!
it takes to make it stick is whats important.
Remaining teachable is also Important as
I continue to remain teachable by learning
from you all here in SR.
You can too..!!!
☀️⛳️
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Scotland
Posts: 1,506
Originally Posted by SnoozyQ 
Sharon , you're amazing ! Welldone ;-)
Stoogy , it took me endless times over 15 years a couple of stints in rehab . The first time i didn't drink for over a year , the second time was only a few months.
In the end my body couldn't take it anymore , my personality changed from being bubbly and happy , to cranky , short tempered and impatient .
It was all about me ;-(
I got fatty liver and pancreas , i didn't have a choice .
SR is my saviour .
This is truly the first time i can actually say i know i will never drink anymore .
Your body just gets sick and tired of being sick and tired .
Something has to give as there is only one wY it ends .
Good luck hun , keep fighting the fight ;-))) xxxx
Stoogy , it took me endless times over 15 years a couple of stints in rehab . The first time i didn't drink for over a year , the second time was only a few months.
In the end my body couldn't take it anymore , my personality changed from being bubbly and happy , to cranky , short tempered and impatient .
It was all about me ;-(
I got fatty liver and pancreas , i didn't have a choice .
SR is my saviour .
This is truly the first time i can actually say i know i will never drink anymore .
Your body just gets sick and tired of being sick and tired .
Something has to give as there is only one wY it ends .
Good luck hun , keep fighting the fight ;-))) xxxx
Well done, your a star and an inspiration.
Take care.
Stuart.
Member
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: UK
Posts: 4,682
At least 1000 times ending up quitting in the morning and being drunk by the evening. Still thought every time that I didn't need any advice or help and ione day I would wake up and not want to drink anymore. Good times:-)
Member
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Michigan
Posts: 325
One and done. Prior to this year, I had quit several times for fixed periods (30 - 70 days). This is the first time I have decided to be done with it for good.
While the first few weeks were rather tumultuous and unpleasant, I feel so much better now that alcohol no longer holds any attraction for me. To be honest, if I had tried to quit for good at an earlier stage, I would likely have failed because I wasn't ready and somehow, deep down, I knew that I wasn't ready.
For a long time I knew I should quit, but I had to wait until I really wanted to quit. Once I truly made up my mind, it was a matter of getting a plan and putting it into action.
While the first few weeks were rather tumultuous and unpleasant, I feel so much better now that alcohol no longer holds any attraction for me. To be honest, if I had tried to quit for good at an earlier stage, I would likely have failed because I wasn't ready and somehow, deep down, I knew that I wasn't ready.
For a long time I knew I should quit, but I had to wait until I really wanted to quit. Once I truly made up my mind, it was a matter of getting a plan and putting it into action.
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Scotland
Posts: 1,506
Originally Posted by BradJustBrad
One and done. Prior to this year, I had quit several times for fixed periods (30 - 70 days). This is the first time I have decided to be done with it for good.
While the first few weeks were rather tumultuous and unpleasant, I feel so much better now that alcohol no longer holds any attraction for me. To be honest, if I had tried to quit for good at an earlier stage, I would likely have failed because I wasn't ready and somehow, deep down, I knew that I wasn't ready.
For a long time I knew I should quit, but I had to wait until I really wanted to quit. Once I truly made up my mind, it was a matter of getting a plan and putting it into action.
While the first few weeks were rather tumultuous and unpleasant, I feel so much better now that alcohol no longer holds any attraction for me. To be honest, if I had tried to quit for good at an earlier stage, I would likely have failed because I wasn't ready and somehow, deep down, I knew that I wasn't ready.
For a long time I knew I should quit, but I had to wait until I really wanted to quit. Once I truly made up my mind, it was a matter of getting a plan and putting it into action.
Canine Welfare Advocate
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Norfolk, VA
Posts: 10,962
Three years ago I might have told you I quit countless times. But in the 3 + years I've been sober I understand I can't count the times I woke up vowing to quit and drinking that night, or a couple nights later. Because that wasn't really an attempt to recover. I was just seeking a respite.
For this last "serious" attempt, I quit in Aug of 2010, relapsed and quit again on Sept. 4, 2010. I've been sober since. My attempt prior to that was in 1997. When I relapsed, I drank for 13 more years.
Lesson? Get it right the first time.
For this last "serious" attempt, I quit in Aug of 2010, relapsed and quit again on Sept. 4, 2010. I've been sober since. My attempt prior to that was in 1997. When I relapsed, I drank for 13 more years.
Lesson? Get it right the first time.
Another Day in Paradise
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Upland, CA
Posts: 900
When I knew it was sober or dead I swallowed my pride and went to an AA meeting with a friend who I knew was sober. I have stood on the edge a couple of times, but with the support and my fear that I didn't know if I would come back if I went out I have been sober for quite awhile now.
AA worked for me, but regardless of how a person chooses to stop, I do believe that support and a clear path and alternative to drink is at the least important and may be imperative.
Best wishes,
Jon
AA worked for me, but regardless of how a person chooses to stop, I do believe that support and a clear path and alternative to drink is at the least important and may be imperative.
Best wishes,
Jon
Member
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: the coast
Posts: 246
I tried three times before my current sobriety but during this current "attempt" (for lack of a better word) I've realized that those previous three times I was not sober-I was just dry. My last blackout was horrible and I woke up the next morning wanting to be sober more than I wanted to drink. Enough was finally enough. I haven't had a drop since that day.
Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,126
Took three cracks at it:
2001: 21 days in rehab, star pupil, relapsed 30 days out.
2002: Seven-day benzo detox. Went back to the same prescribing shrink for benzos before I could get back to work. I had a disease (panic and anxiety) that required medication like insulin for the diabetic, shrink said. Was drinking two days after reinstating benzos.
2010: Quit drinking, quit benzos cold-turkey, two weeks later I ended up in the hospital, the first three days in ICU and tethered to the bed in four-point restraints. Got out of the hospital, bought a pint of brandy, drank it, and nothing. Booze had quit working. That was my last drink. Quit drinking and benzos on September 15, 2010. Ambulance ride to hospital September 28, 2010. Discharge October 8, 2010. Was still on some meds for a few days, so set sobriety for October 15, 2010.
Today is my 1,272nd sober day. I might make it through the day.
2001: 21 days in rehab, star pupil, relapsed 30 days out.
2002: Seven-day benzo detox. Went back to the same prescribing shrink for benzos before I could get back to work. I had a disease (panic and anxiety) that required medication like insulin for the diabetic, shrink said. Was drinking two days after reinstating benzos.
2010: Quit drinking, quit benzos cold-turkey, two weeks later I ended up in the hospital, the first three days in ICU and tethered to the bed in four-point restraints. Got out of the hospital, bought a pint of brandy, drank it, and nothing. Booze had quit working. That was my last drink. Quit drinking and benzos on September 15, 2010. Ambulance ride to hospital September 28, 2010. Discharge October 8, 2010. Was still on some meds for a few days, so set sobriety for October 15, 2010.
Today is my 1,272nd sober day. I might make it through the day.
Forum Leader
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Wisconsin, USA
Posts: 16,945
I didn't really get serious about quitting until about 3 years ago. I tried moderating or temporarily quitting many, many times before that but never really followed through after a day or two. I had 2 "serious" attempts where I enlisted the support of SR and even a local counselor. In both of those I had several weeks of total sobriety but then went back to moderate drinking, and then daily drinking within a few weeks afterwards.
The last attempt has stuck for about 15 months. I can't honestly say what exactly I did differently to get started, but I can say the biggest difference is that I know and accept that I cannot drink, ever. If I do, I will return to daily drinking no matter what. And I"m OK with that now - it's just part of me and I accept it. And I also realize that my life is much better without alcohol. I also still use SR every single day as my primary support - it's a great place.
The last attempt has stuck for about 15 months. I can't honestly say what exactly I did differently to get started, but I can say the biggest difference is that I know and accept that I cannot drink, ever. If I do, I will return to daily drinking no matter what. And I"m OK with that now - it's just part of me and I accept it. And I also realize that my life is much better without alcohol. I also still use SR every single day as my primary support - it's a great place.
Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Huntington Woods, Michigan
Posts: 465
Originally Posted by Stoogy
Hi, Just a thought for all of you who are succeeding in your quest for sobriety, can I ask how many attempts have there been so far to stay clean? This just interest me because it must make you even more determined to right the wrongs of previous attempts and was there Any one specific thing that Made this time different? I'm not asking health questions just what was the motivation.
Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Vashon WA
Posts: 1,035
Once I really set my mind to it, I quit for good. I took a couple of one month "Alcohol Free Challenges". They made me look like some kind of super hero to my drinking buddies but they actually made me scared of really quitting. It was horrible torture. I didn't know how much better it would get. Not ever wanting to do the first thirty days again is a big motivator for me.
Keeping it simple!
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Surrey, BC
Posts: 3,282
I tried countless times to quit, however, I think deep down at the time I wasn't ready. I always had a handy excuse for why I could pick up again. And I would tell myself that it wasn't my fault, it was either the situation or someone else. I really wasn't willing to put the effort into staying sober, because staying drunk was easier.
I don't know really, I think something just clicked in my head the last time. I was just so exhausted mentally and physically and I was just so sick and tired of being sick and tired. I have no other way to explain it.
This time was different because I was willing to do ANYTHING to stay sober and willing to go outside my comfort zone to stay that way. I had to realize that I was the problem, not the alcohol and I had to be willing to change things and me.
I don't know really, I think something just clicked in my head the last time. I was just so exhausted mentally and physically and I was just so sick and tired of being sick and tired. I have no other way to explain it.
This time was different because I was willing to do ANYTHING to stay sober and willing to go outside my comfort zone to stay that way. I had to realize that I was the problem, not the alcohol and I had to be willing to change things and me.
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